The Land of the Cross-Tipped Churches

Enter Devoutly, O' Pilgrim to a TCP pet project.

Documenting and exploring the sites along the Cross-Tipped Church Area in Central NW Ohio.

This is a pilgrimage project to discover the colonial beginnings and religious expansion in the region. Maybe, if we're lucky, we can find our true "self" here as well.

Nestled in a little known and sparsely traveled area of Ohio, there exist a plethora of buildings straight from a German fairy tale. 60 buildings including 34 German Catholic gothic style church spires seem to mark every horizon in the land. All of these structures were collectively entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. What began as a project to capture the majesty of these buildings has become a passion to explore all of the amazing sites of the Shelby/Auglaize/Mercer county Region.

We have found so much more than old churches...

Holy Trinity Ceiling The ceiling in the Holy Trinity Church in Coldwater seems to greet parishioners in their seats. A truly awe-inspiring sight with its gold trim and beautiful surrounding stained glass.	Zion Reformed Church While this church is not a part of the LOTCTC historical register, it sits a unique vision with its four-sided blue-grey castle-like spire. A New Bremen treasure, built October 1865.	Covered Bridge A quaint covered bridge in St. Mary's Memorial Park.
Memorial Park Toward the covered bridge in St. Mary's Memorial Park, facing the creek, there's this drainage/wishing well type area. Included in this gallery due to its rustic charm, and off-the-beaten-path location.	Dual Arch Bridge, St. Mary's This two arch bridge in St. Mary's Memorial Park traverses a landscaped pedestrian path to Lock 13, and the Miami-Erie Canal itself on the other side. The canal side is currently drained, likely owing to a nearby construction project.	The "Belle of St Mary's" A full scale replica of a packet canal boat sits in the waters (usually) of the Miami-Erie Canal in St. Mary's Memorial Park. Though I hear it is usually open to the public for touring I must admit it was a depressing sight with the canal drained, and the drawbridge up. One day, I'd like to see it in full glory. The boat is 76 feet long, and 14 feet wide.
Lock 13 Miami-Erie Canal Lock 13 in St. Mary's sits adjacent to Memorial Park and is open to the public. Void of water during our visit, I can see what the city is trying to do with it, and it is quite an impressive undertaking. Restored for posterity, this lock even houses a replica canal boat. The Miami-Erie Canal system is an important part of the history and heritage of our area, and it's efforts like this that should be commended and duplicated whenever possible.	Lock One New Bremen Lock 1 North on the Miami-Erie Canal sits directly in the center of New Bremen, and the town's dedication to canal heritage may be likewise second to none. Fully restored Lock 1 anchors a 3 mile crushed-stone path paralleling the Canal to the northern edge of Minster.	Bowstring Bridge The bowstring girder bridge spanning the Miami-Erie in New Bremen's Lock 1 Park was originally part of a 3 span structure traversing the Auglaize River in Wapak, and is the oldest Bowstring Girder Bridge in Ohio.
Fort Recovery State Monument A 101 foot tall obelisk stands as a monument to those 900 + who died during the crushing defeat of Arthur St. Clair, and the victory of Anthony Wayne.	Fort Recovery Fort Recovery saw 2 major Indian Battles. The first was a demoralizing defeat of the American Army led by Major General Arthur St. Clair by an Indian Army led by Chiefs Little Turtle and Blue Jacket. The Battle of the Wabash November 1791. The second was a victory by General Wayne over Indian forces numbering 2000 in 1794.	Blockhouse 1 A peek inside one of the reconstructed blockhouses in Fort Recovery.
The Dome Ceiling The dome ceiling inside Immaculate Conception Church in Celina, OH. Circling around the lower trim on the inside of the dome are two crosses around "Pray for us" along with "Conceived without original sin".	Michael conquers Satan A statue depicting Archangel Michael's victory against Satan's uprising. You'd be hard-pressed to find a bigger badass in any religious mythology than Michael.	The Spiritual Center of Maria Stein An attention commanding silver cross on a small island.
The Silver Cross A landscaped shot of the silver cross at the Spiritual Center of Maria Stein. Showing off the bridge and moat, the grounds all around this are staged areas for prayer or silent reflection.	The Relic Chapel at Maria Stein Maria Stein's Relic Chapel houses the United States 2nd largest collection of holy relics.	The Main Relic Case The main case in the Relic Chapel is sure to humble even the most devout of visitors.
The Transition Between the main building and the courtyard is a peaceful transitional path travelling by the Lourdes Grotto prayer fountain.	Maria Stein Chapel and Convent A spectacular view of the building from it's own courtyard.	Angel Garden and Sculpture Path A stroll around the sculpture path and a visit to the Angel Garden are both fantastic ways to clear your mind... provided you like the occasional curious chipmunk.
Immaculate Conception Chapel Inside Immaculate Conception Church in Celina.	Baptism by Fire A shell in the parking lot of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church and Rectory in Cassella, OH.	#1 Botkins Immaculate Conception A modern (1961) Church sits on the original site of Botkins Elementary School and Immaculate Conception Rectory. The school has been demolished and is now a parking lot for the church, whose inclusion on the list is questionable with its cross adorning a stand alone bell tower as opposed to the building itself. In the end, the site's history keeps it on the list, but this serves mostly as a sad reminder of neglected history. Only the rectory building remains of the original today. Sigh....
#2 Gruenwald Convent 1 of 6 area convents built by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. Only 4 of those remain, only 2 without major restorative structural changes. Built in 1854, currently a private residence, it is NOT open to the public. Cassella, OH area, house number blacked out for privacy.	#3 Holy Family Church Holy Family Church is simple rectangular Gothic-revival architecture at its best. Built in 1866, it is located in the unincorporated area of Frenchtown.	#4 Holy Trinity Church A dual-spire work of art on E. Main St. in Coldwater, OH. Built in 1899, the real story here may be its unique ceiling which has its own feature in this gallery.
#5 Immaculate Conception Built in 1903 in Celina, this church is notable for its Romanesque revival architecture. The three bronze dome spires make it instantly recognizable from anywhere in the downtown area.	#6 Maria Stein Complex Officially: The National Marian Shrine of the Holy Relics (1892) and Former Convent (1900). A must visit for any pilgrim on a soul-searching path to personal enlightenment.	#7 Nativity of Mary Officially: The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church. This church is one of the oldest on the tour, dating to 1858, it is located in Cassella.
#8 Precious Blood The original Precious Blood School & Rectory on the historical register dates to 1903, though today only the bell from the original building remains. Located in Chickasaw, this building dates to only 1967. Wood paneled inside, it is built in the shape of a cross.	#9 Sacred Heart of Jesus Built in 1882, this church is located in McCartyville outside of Anna, OH. It is located at the southeastern-most point of the LOTCTC Ohio Scenic Byway. Interesting about this building is that it wears its cross tip much more modestly that most, tucking it away on a rear located spire. Certainly, an easy one to miss.	#10 St. Aloysius Just when you thought the only thing in Carthagena, OH is the Seminary, St. Aloysius reaches out and hits you in the nose. located on the corner of the same block as the St. Charles Seminary, you would think the two are twins. Visible from almost all points on the Seminary grounds, the church of St. Aloysius is actually older than her fraternal twin, dating to 1877.
#11 St. Anthony Church A simple Gothic revival 3-spire facade marks the horizon in the unincorporated town by the same name.	#12 St. Augustine Church Considered the "Mother" church of the LOTCTC, St. Augustine is the pride of Minster, OH. Built in 1849, it is the oldest of them all, and its twin-spires command attention from miles away.	#13 St. Bernard Church A dual-spire church built in 1924 towering over Burkettsville.
#14 St. Charles Seminary Named for St. Charles Borromeo who was known for organizing seminaries in the mid 16th century. Operated as the St. Charles Theologate School for 108 years, original site buildings date to 1835 and were a training school for young African American settlers. Transitioned to a retirement site for aging missionaries in 1969, it operates today as a senior living facility. Though site buildings are older, this iteration of the main building dates to 1906 officially.	The Entrance at St. Charles Now we take a break, not quite halfway through the churches on the tour. You've done great, hang in there... maybe have a drink, you may need it to make it through this list. It's cool, go ahead, we'll wait........ Thanks for sticking with us! When you're ready, click the right arrow to proceed.	#15 St. Francis Located in Cranberry Prairie and built in 1906, the St. Francis Church grounds are gorgeously maintained. This church proudly flips the bird to traditional Gothic-symmetry, sporting its main spire on the left. An Ohio historical marker is located around the corner, and the church wears its history on its own marker adjacent to the main entrance.
#16 St. Henry Church Built in 1897 at a cost of around 100k, St. Henry was the most expensive church ever built in Northwest Ohio at that time. Beautiful Gothic-revival architecture accentuates the tallest belfry in the land at just over 200 feet high.	#17 St. John Church and Parish Hall The second-oldest church on the historical register, it was built in 1850, a year after St. Augustine in Minster. Hands-down the most awesome thing in Fryburg, Ohio, the plain single spire exterior does no justice to the ornately decorated, meticulously maintained Tiffany-blue accented interior chapel. Small as far as these structures go, but awesome. See next slide for proof.	St. John Interior Never judge a book by its cover. While there are no imposing columns like the Immaculate Conception Chapel, or dominant spared-no-expense brilliance of a St. Augustine, or St. Henry... I believe the amazing use of color warrants merit here. All of the function and beauty of churches 4 times its size... St. John in Fryburg holds its own.
#18 St. John the Baptist Adding to the spiritual mystique of Maria Stein, OH, St. John's dwarfs the rest. It isn't hard to see why a pilgrim today would come here thinking it is actually the Relic Shrine, as its skyline-dominating spire is what welcomes most of us to town first. Built in 1889, it is home to a large cemetery on grounds with a quaint prayer garden bridging the way.	#19 St. Joseph Church Egypt The first of 3 St. Josephs on the historical register, this one is in Egypt, OH. Built for parishioners that originally commuted to St. Augustine in Minster, the land here was muddy and not wagon friendly making travel to Minster difficult at best. This building dates to 1887, but the dome belfry replaced the original spire in the 1940's.	#20 St. Joseph Church The second of three St. Josephs on the historical list, this is the one located on St. Joseph Rd. in St. Joseph, OH. A massive structure in a minuscule town, this church has been quietly guarding the farmland since 1866.
#21 St. Joseph Church Wapak Last of our St. Joseph trifectas sees us in the birthplace of Neil Armstrong, Wapakoneta. This fantastic dual-spire Gothic edifice was built 1911 opposite the Auglaize County courthouse and power station. The stained glass used in the header of this gallery is located in this church.	#22 St. Louis Church Built in 1914, this building doesn't look like any other church on the historical record. Sporting an off-center bell tower and stucco on concrete construction, this building has changed practically nothing in its century of existence. A church as different as the name of its town, North Star.	#23 St. Mary Church St. Mary Church was built in 1871 in Philothea, OH. A massive single-spire casts a shadow on the adjacent Philothea Country Club... a prestigious name for a Bar and Grill. Some of my daughter's knee graces the sidewalk out front after she decided to run in flip-flops here... blood, sweat, and tears on this project. None of this has anything to do with the church at all. Thanks for reading it anyway. Moving on.
#24 St. Michael Church Complex Few churches on the tour represent the Gothic style as well as St. Michael's in Fort Loramie. Built in 1881 with a 200 foot high center spire, it houses 4 bells, the largest an astonishing 3,600 pounds.	#25 St. Nicholas Church A single spire church built in 1908 in Osgood, OH. Though surrounded by predominately Catholic settlements, the early settlers in Osgood were mostly Protestant...as such, St. Nicholas was late to the party. As long as he isn't late down the chimney on Christmas morning...	#26 St. Patrick Church One of two St. Patrick's on the tour, this is the only one still in existence. Built in 1884, located in Glynnwood, OH. St. Patrick Church is such a major part of the community, the sign for the town of Glynnwood is lettered in green and surrounded by shamrocks.
#27 St. Patrick Church The St. Patrick Church that no longer exists. Located (formerly) in St. Patrick, OH, all that remains today is the cemetery and rectory, along with a memorial to the old church. Built in 1915, it is much newer than most of the buildings on the register, yet shifting demographics doomed this parish. With most of these churches in fairly close proximity to one another in such sparsely populated areas, most are in danger of a similar fate, making this project critical for long-term preservation.	#28 St. Paul Church Built in 1888 in Sharpsburg, OH, St. Paul is one of 4 catholic churches serving the greater Fort Recovery area.	#29 St. Peter Church and Rectory Built 1904 in St. Peter, OH. I find it amazing how many of these small towns are named for the churches that the missionaries built within the confines of their land. While most remain unincorporated, some like St. Henry, are prospering today.
#30 St. Remy Church Built in 1890, this is the third church on this site. The congregations here are older than the town in which it resides, Russia (pronounced "Roo-shee"). Settled by French immigrants, the strong French influence also populated Frenchtown and Versailles (pronounced "Ver-sails"...yeah, Ohio is weird).	#31 St. Rose Church Complex Like so many other churches on the list, this one also resides in a town that bears its name. Built in 1911, the church and its affiliated buildings form a "church complex" that are all on the historical register.	#32 St. Sebastian A brick church on this site in Sebastian, OH was built in 1879 at a cost of $4000 and was described by many to be the finest church in Mercer county. Some of the parishioners lived 2 miles away in neighboring Chickasaw and in the 1890's a schism of sorts divided the congregation. Soon after the conflict, St. Sebastian was burned to the ground, and the current church was erected in its place in 1904. Here's hoping for no more bad blood between these 2 parishes.
#33 St. Wendelin Church Complex Built in 1870 in Wendelin, OH (notice a theme?). Although the church itself is a cool piece of mid-19th century awesomeness, I thought the real show here was the cemetery on the premises. Though most of these churches house on-site graveyards, the stones at St. Wendelin are mostly the same height and adorned with stone crosses. It is here on the cross-tipped church tour where I literally encountered a Sea of Crosses.	#34 Trinity Church Complex Trinity Church in Trinity, IN is the only church on the historical register that isn't located in Ohio. The convent on site is only 1 of 2 significantly unaltered convents remaining of the 6 the missionaries built (the other is Gruenwald, please see #2).	Trinity Prayer Garden The background is the prayer garden behind the Trinity Church in Trinity, Indiana. Thank you, friends, for your time and patience with me throughout this pilgrimage. I have learned invaluable lessons along this path, and have enjoyed sharing what I've gained with you. Until our next journey, Stay Spooky, and Cheers!

Welcome to Tipp City Paranormal

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Enter Devoutly, O' Pilgrim to a TCP pet project.

Documenting and exploring the sites along the Cross-Tipped Church Area in Central NW Ohio.

Holy Trinity Ceiling

The ceiling in the Holy Trinity Church in Coldwater seems to greet parishioners in their seats. A truly awe-inspiring sight with its gold trim and beautiful surrounding stained glass.

Zion Reformed Church

While this church is not a part of the LOTCTC historical register, it sits a unique vision with its four-sided blue-grey castle-like spire. A New Bremen treasure, built October 1865.

Covered Bridge

A quaint covered bridge in St. Mary's Memorial Park.

Memorial Park

Toward the covered bridge in St. Mary's Memorial Park, facing the creek, there's this drainage/wishing well type area. Included in this gallery due to its rustic charm, and off-the-beaten-path location.

Dual Arch Bridge, St. Mary's

This two arch bridge in St. Mary's Memorial Park traverses a landscaped pedestrian path to Lock 13, and the Miami-Erie Canal itself on the other side. The canal side is currently drained, likely owing to a nearby construction project.

The "Belle of St Mary's"

Lock 13

Lock One New Bremen

Lock 1 North on the Miami-Erie Canal sits directly in the center of New Bremen, and the town's dedication to canal heritage may be likewise second to none. Fully restored Lock 1 anchors a 3 mile crushed-stone path paralleling the Canal to the northern edge of Minster.

Bowstring Bridge

The bowstring girder bridge spanning the Miami-Erie in New Bremen's Lock 1 Park was originally part of a 3 span structure traversing the Auglaize River in Wapak, and is the oldest Bowstring Girder Bridge in Ohio.

Fort Recovery State Monument

A 101 foot tall obelisk stands as a monument to those 900 + who died during the crushing defeat of Arthur St. Clair, and the victory of Anthony Wayne.

Fort Recovery

Blockhouse 1

A peek inside one of the reconstructed blockhouses in Fort Recovery.

The Dome Ceiling

The dome ceiling inside Immaculate Conception Church in Celina, OH. Circling around the lower trim on the inside of the dome are two crosses around "Pray for us" along with "Conceived without original sin".

Michael conquers Satan

A statue depicting Archangel Michael's victory against Satan's uprising. You'd be hard-pressed to find a bigger badass in any religious mythology than Michael.

The Spiritual Center of Maria Stein

An attention commanding silver cross on a small island.

The Silver Cross

A landscaped shot of the silver cross at the Spiritual Center of Maria Stein. Showing off the bridge and moat, the grounds all around this are staged areas for prayer or silent reflection.

The Relic Chapel at Maria Stein

Maria Stein's Relic Chapel houses the United States 2nd largest collection of holy relics.

The Main Relic Case

The main case in the Relic Chapel is sure to humble even the most devout of visitors.

The Transition

Between the main building and the courtyard is a peaceful transitional path travelling by the Lourdes Grotto prayer fountain.

Maria Stein Chapel and Convent

A spectacular view of the building from it's own courtyard.

Angel Garden and Sculpture Path

A stroll around the sculpture path and a visit to the Angel Garden are both fantastic ways to clear your mind... provided you like the occasional curious chipmunk.

Immaculate Conception Chapel

Inside Immaculate Conception Church in Celina.

Baptism by Fire

A shell in the parking lot of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church and Rectory in Cassella, OH.

#1 Botkins Immaculate Conception

#2 Gruenwald Convent

1 of 6 area convents built by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. Only 4 of those remain, only 2 without major restorative structural changes. Built in 1854, currently a private residence, it is NOT open to the public. Cassella, OH area, house number blacked out for privacy.

#3 Holy Family Church

Holy Family Church is simple rectangular Gothic-revival architecture at its best. Built in 1866, it is located in the unincorporated area of Frenchtown.

#4 Holy Trinity Church

A dual-spire work of art on E. Main St. in Coldwater, OH. Built in 1899, the real story here may be its unique ceiling which has its own feature in this gallery.

#5 Immaculate Conception

Built in 1903 in Celina, this church is notable for its Romanesque revival architecture. The three bronze dome spires make it instantly recognizable from anywhere in the downtown area.

#6 Maria Stein Complex

Officially: The National Marian Shrine of the Holy Relics (1892) and Former Convent (1900). A must visit for any pilgrim on a soul-searching path to personal enlightenment.

#7 Nativity of Mary

Officially: The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church. This church is one of the oldest on the tour, dating to 1858, it is located in Cassella.

#8 Precious Blood

The original Precious Blood School & Rectory on the historical register dates to 1903, though today only the bell from the original building remains. Located in Chickasaw, this building dates to only 1967. Wood paneled inside, it is built in the shape of a cross.

#9 Sacred Heart of Jesus

#10 St. Aloysius

#11 St. Anthony Church

A simple Gothic revival 3-spire facade marks the horizon in the unincorporated town by the same name.

#12 St. Augustine Church

Considered the "Mother" church of the LOTCTC, St. Augustine is the pride of Minster, OH. Built in 1849, it is the oldest of them all, and its twin-spires command attention from miles away.

#13 St. Bernard Church

A dual-spire church built in 1924 towering over Burkettsville.

#14 St. Charles Seminary

The Entrance at St. Charles

Now we take a break, not quite halfway through the churches on the tour. You've done great, hang in there... maybe have a drink, you may need it to make it through this list. It's cool, go ahead, we'll wait........ Thanks for sticking with us! When you're ready, click the right arrow to proceed.

#15 St. Francis

#16 St. Henry Church

Built in 1897 at a cost of around 100k, St. Henry was the most expensive church ever built in Northwest Ohio at that time. Beautiful Gothic-revival architecture accentuates the tallest belfry in the land at just over 200 feet high.

#17 St. John Church and Parish Hall

St. John Interior

#18 St. John the Baptist

#19 St. Joseph Church Egypt